St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud was filled for the 12:05 p.m. Mass April 22 as Catholics from around the diocese gathered to remember Pope Francis. Bishop Patrick Neary celebrated the Mass to honor the pontiff, who died April 21 at the age of 88.
“While we feel deep sadness in saying goodbye to him in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we give thanks for this extraordinary shepherd who has restored genuine hope to the Church,” Bishop Neary said in his homily.
He went on to talk about the influence Pope Francis has had on the Church and the world.
“As Pope, Francis reawakened the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, and its guiding vision centered on the reform and renewal of the Church,” he said. “His encyclicals — such as “Laudato Si,’” which addressed the climate crisis and championed environmental stewardship — were bold and prophetic. His historic apologies to survivors of clergy sexual abuse brought about great healing. … And through the Synod on Synodality, a new style of governance that includes the wisdom of the laity, was introduced. He reminded us that the Church is not only a teaching Church, but a listening Church.”
Nicholas Zieglmeier attended the Mass with his wife Amanda and their two young sons.
“I like the idea of what [Pope Francis] was trying to achieve with the synod on synodality,” he said. “I think it requires a little bit more definition … but I like the fact that people are feeling heard.”
Zieglmeier, a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, said that he felt that this was not just a memorial service to our late Holy Father, but also looking forward to how his legacy will continue, particularly in his successor.
“Not only do we pray for the repose of his soul at this time, but we also have to intently pray for the Church and her future and her mission,” he said.
Sandy Fitzgerald, a member of Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud attended the Mass because she sees the Church uniting in their grief and wanted to be a part that.
“I just realized that the Catholic Church really is united,” she said. “I’m finding the beauty in that and how Catholics all around the world are praying for the Holy Father.”
The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be celebrated April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced. The liturgy begins a nine-day period of official mourning and daily memorial Masses.
Read more coverage of Pope Francis’ life and legacy here: https://thecentralminnesotacatholic.org/category/remembering-pope-francis-and-preparing-for-his-successor/
